The New York Mets opened their four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies with a frustrating loss Thursday night, falling 3-0 at Citi Field while managing just four hits.
Nolan McLean delivered another solid outing despite taking the loss, allowing one run on seven hits over six innings. He walked three and struck out five while throwing 82 pitches, including 57 strikes, and lowered his earned-run average to 3.18.
McLean kept Philadelphia off the scoreboard through the first four innings before the Phillies finally broke through in the fifth. Brandon Marsh reached on a bloop single, and two walks later, Bryce Harper put the Phillies ahead with a ground ball that allowed Marsh to score when Francisco Lindor’s throw to second base arrived too late to catch Trea Turner.
Philadelphia added to its advantage in the seventh after Francisco Alvarez committed a two-base throwing error while attempting to pick off Turner. Luis Arraez followed with a sacrifice fly, and Justin Crawford added another sacrifice fly in the eighth to complete the scoring.
Aaron Nola kept New York’s offense quiet for most of the night, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Nick Morabito singled with one out. Lindor then grounded into a double play to end the threat.
Syracuse football drops road opener at Pittsburgh as costly mistakes continue (full coverage) The Mets created another opportunity in the seventh when Carson Benge and Mark Vientos singled with two outs, but A.J. Ewing grounded out to strand both runners. Nola finished seven scoreless innings with three hits allowed, three walks and four strikeouts.
The game also featured a frightening moment in the sixth inning when Mets first baseman Jared Young was injured during a play at first base. Young was struck in the head by McLean’s knee while both players pursued a slowly rolling ball. Young remained on the field for several minutes before being removed on a stretcher and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. He reportedly had feeling in his extremities.
The Mets and Phillies continue their series Friday at 7:15 p.m., with Zac Thornton scheduled to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.